Babar Azam Sydney Sixers departure has become one of the most talked-about developments of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025/26 season. Sydney Sixers officially confirmed that star Pakistan batter Babar Azam will not be available for the remainder of the tournament, including the crucial Challenger and Finals series, after being called back to Pakistan for national team duties.
The announcement, made on Thursday, January 22, brought an emotional end to Babar Azam’s short but high-profile stint with the Sixers and has sparked widespread discussion among cricket fans and experts worldwide.
Sydney Sixers Confirm Babar Azam’s Exit from BBL 2025/26
Sydney Sixers released an official statement confirming that Babar Azam has been instructed to return home immediately to join Pakistan’s national team camp. The decision was taken as Pakistan begin preparations for their upcoming international commitments.
In their statement, the franchise said:
“The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches.”
The statement further clarified that Babar’s departure is effective immediately, ruling him out of the remainder of the season:
“As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”
This confirmation officially ended all speculation around Babar’s availability for the knock-out phase of the tournament.
Why Did Babar Azam Leave Sydney Sixers Mid-Season?
The primary reason behind the Babar Azam Sydney Sixers departure is his national duty. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called its senior players back to camp to begin preparations for a busy international calendar, which includes important series and tournaments.
For Pakistan, Babar Azam remains a central figure in their batting lineup and leadership group. As a result, the national team’s requirements understandably took priority over his franchise commitments in the BBL.
Sydney Sixers management acknowledged this reality and expressed their full understanding of the situation, despite hoping to retain Babar until the end of the Finals series.
Sydney Sixers’ Reaction to Babar Azam’s Exit
Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes spoke openly about the disappointment but also expressed gratitude for Babar’s contribution during his time in Australia.
She said:
“The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia.”
Haynes also revealed that the franchise had initially planned their Finals strategy with Babar in mind:
“While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches.”
Her comments reflected a balanced approach—acknowledging the loss while respecting international cricket commitments.
Babar Azam’s Emotional Message on Leaving the Sixers
Babar Azam himself shared an emotional farewell message, thanking the Sydney Sixers for the opportunity and support he received during his stay.
In his message, Babar said:
“First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very enjoyed my time. Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty.”
The message highlighted Babar’s appreciation for the team environment and his disappointment at not being able to complete the season with the Sixers.
Babar Azam’s Performance in BBL 2025/26
While expectations were extremely high, Babar Azam’s performance in the BBL 2025/26 season was mixed. The Pakistan superstar struggled to find consistent form in Australian conditions.
Babar Azam BBL 2025/26 Stats
- Matches: 11
- Runs Scored: 202
- Batting Average: 22.44
- Strike Rate: 103.06
Despite a few promising starts, Babar was unable to convert them into big scores. His strike rate, in particular, became a talking point, as the fast-paced nature of the BBL demands aggressive scoring.
However, many experts believe that numbers alone do not fully reflect his impact. His presence brought immense global attention, experience, and calmness to the Sixers’ batting lineup.
Did Babar Azam Meet Expectations in the BBL?
The Babar Azam Sydney Sixers departure has also reignited debate over whether he lived up to expectations in the tournament.
From a statistical point of view, Babar’s output fell short of what fans anticipated from one of the world’s top batters. However, adapting to Australian pitches, unfamiliar bowlers, and the explosive style of the BBL is never easy—especially in a debut season.
Former players and analysts have pointed out that Babar’s technique and temperament are better suited to longer formats, while T20 leagues like the BBL often reward risk-taking and power-hitting.
Impact of Babar Azam’s Exit on Sydney Sixers
Babar Azam’s absence leaves a significant gap in Sydney Sixers’ batting order, especially with the Finals approaching.
Key Challenges for the Sixers
- Loss of an experienced top-order batter
- Reduced stability at the start of the innings
- Increased pressure on younger and middle-order players
The team management will now need to reshuffle their combination and rely on in-form domestic players to step up in high-pressure matches.
Sydney Sixers’ Road Ahead in BBL 2025/26
Sydney Sixers are scheduled to face Hobart Hurricanes on January 23 in Sydney. This match is crucial, as the winner will advance to the final.
The final of the BBL 2025/26 season is set to be played against Perth Scorchers on January 25, one of the most successful franchises in league history.
Without Babar Azam, the Sixers’ challenge becomes even tougher, but the team will look to draw confidence from their overall squad depth and previous Finals experience.
What’s Next for Babar Azam After Leaving the BBL?
Following his return to Pakistan, Babar Azam will join the national team camp, where preparations are underway for upcoming international fixtures.
His focus will now shift entirely to:
- Regaining top form
- Adapting his game ahead of major tournaments
- Leading Pakistan’s batting unit on the global stage
For Babar, the BBL experience—despite its challenges—will still be valuable exposure to Australian conditions, which could benefit him in future international tours.
Fans React to Babar Azam Sydney Sixers Departure
Cricket fans across Pakistan, Australia, and beyond have shared mixed reactions to the news.
- Sixers supporters expressed disappointment, especially with the Finals around the corner.
- Pakistan fans welcomed the decision, prioritizing national duty over franchise cricket.
- Neutral fans acknowledged the professionalism shown by both the player and the club.
On social media, many praised Babar’s humility and thanked him for representing the Sixers with dignity.
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Conclusion: A Short but Memorable Chapter
The Babar Azam Sydney Sixers departure marks the end of a short yet significant chapter in the BBL 2025/26 season. While his on-field performances may not have fully matched expectations, his presence added star power, global attention, and valuable experience to the Sydney Sixers squad.
As the Sixers push toward the Finals without their star opener, and Babar Azam returns to serve Pakistan, both parties move forward with mutual respect and understanding.
Cricket, after all, remains a game where national pride and international commitments continue to take precedence—something this situation has once again highlighted clearly.